MA/PGDip Heritage Studies

Year of entry: 2025

Overview

Degree awarded
MA
Duration
MA: 1 yr (FT)
Entry requirements

We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class honours degree or its overseas equivalent in a humanities-based subject area. Professional experience in a relevant sector to the degree is also taken into consideration.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply online

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
MA Y Y N N
PGDip Y Y N N

Course overview

  • Learn to understand communities as they want to be understood and remember them as they wanted to be remembered.
  • Master the theory and practice of Heritage policy, while exploring emerging critical trends in the field.
  • Benefit from more than 50 active partnerships with museums, galleries and a host of other arts, cultural and policy organisations offering opportunities for work placements and practice-based research.
  • Tailor the course to your interests, with an array of optional modules on offer across the Institute for Cultural Practices.
Loading
Study MA Heritage Studies at the University of Manchester

Open days

Find out what it's like to study at Manchester by visiting us on one of our open days .

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2025, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • MA (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £14,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £28,500
  • MA (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £7,000
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £14,250
  • PGDip (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £9,333
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £19,000
  • PGDip (part-time)
    UK students (per annum): £4,667
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £9,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

Each year the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures offer a number of School awards and Subject-specific bursaries (the values of which are usually set at Home/EU fees level), open to both Home/EU and international students. The deadline for these is early February each year. Details of all funding opportunities, including deadlines, eligibility and how to apply, can be found on the School's funding page  where you can also find details of the Government Postgraduate Loan Scheme.

See also the University's postgraduate funding database  to see if you are eligible for any other funding opportunities.

For University of Manchester graduates, the Manchester Alumni Bursary offers a £3,000 reduction in tuition fees to University of Manchester alumni who achieved a First within the last three years and are progressing to a postgraduate taught master's course.

The Manchester Master's Bursary is a University-wide scheme that offers 100 bursaries worth £3,000 in funding for students from underrepresented groups.

Postgraduate 1+3 funding is available from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for students to pursue postgraduate study through a master's (one year) leading into a PhD (3 years). It requires a project proposal as part of the application. Information is available here:

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We normally expect students to have a First or Upper Second class honours degree or its overseas equivalent in a humanities-based subject area. Professional experience in a relevant sector to the degree is also taken into consideration.

English language

An overall grade of 7.0 in IELTS with 7.0 in writing an no skill below 6.5 is required or 100+ in the TOEFL iBT with a minimum writing score of 25 and no skill below 22.

If you have obtained a different qualification, please check our  English language requirements  to ensure that it is accepted and equivalent to the above requirements.

Exceptions to needing a language test (if English is NOT your first language) are if you have successfully completed an academic qualification deemed by UK NARIC as equivalent to at least a UK bachelor's degree or higher from one of the following countries:

  • Antigua & Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • UK
  • USA.

Please contact  MASALC@manchester.ac.uk  if you are unsure if you have taken what The University of Manchester considers to be a Standard English Language Test.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Relevant work experience

In the personal statement section of the application form, you can outline any work experience (including voluntary work) you have in a museum, gallery, or other related institution.

Application and selection

How to apply

Advice to applicants

You should include a personal statement (no more than 500 words) that demonstrates your understanding of the subject and your motivation for wanting to study the programme.

If your academic background is not directly related to the programme, you should supply an academic-standard writing sample on a subject related to the programme.

If English is not your native language, then you should provide an academic-standard writing sample in English directly related to the subject.

For more advice on the application process, please visit our  Applying  page.

How your application is considered

Applications are mainly considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference(s) and any other supplementary evidence that supports the application. Once we have an application that is ready for a decision, the admissions tutor (often the Programme Director) will relay the decision to the admissions team, who will send you this decision.

Please note that your application is usually received by the School 24 to 48 hours after the time you submit it. If you have not provided documentation that allows the admissions tutor to make a decision, we will contact you.

Skills, knowledge, abilities, interests

Applicants will be considered on the basis of demonstrable experience and understanding of work in a heritage setting, organisation or other relevant context, presented through personal statement, CV or in interview.

Overseas (non-UK) applicants

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries that equate to a UK Upper Second (2:1).

For these and general requirements, including English language, see  entry requirements from your country .

Deferrals

Applicants may defer entry for 12 months provided they contact  MASALC@manchester.ac.uk  before 1 September. Please note that applicants are subject to the fees for the entry year they will start the course.

Course details

Course description

Heritage is a living process. Environmental, cultural and technological changes continually challenge us to reinterpret our history and culture.

Digital tools, like virtual and augmented reality have unlocked new possibilities for bringing heritage projects to life. At the same time, the climate crisis and postcolonial theory have highlighted a need to protect and re-evaluate the things through which we understand our history. As a result, the need for skilled and reflective heritage professionals has never been greater.

As an MA Heritage Studies student, you’ll develop crucial skills in heritage policy, management, engagement and enterprise. You’ll benefit from the expert teaching of staff across the Institute for Cultural Practices, and a diverse curriculum which utilises their expertise on topics including curating and engagement, digital heritage and decolonising museums.

Sustainability should be considered inherently important to Heritage policy, and we rank as Europe's top university for progress against the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025). Throughout the course, you'll learn to how to both drive and execute climate conscious heritage activity.

Our flexible course structure means you’ll be able to research the topics that interest you the most. In the past, students have completed projects on subjects such as dark tourism and drag as a form of intangible cultural heritage.

You’ll also have opportunities to gain valuable work experience, access our extensive collection of cultural heritage assets and take part in live heritage projects in Manchester.

Aims

We aim to:

  • introduce, explore and critically evaluate emerging  approaches, issues and trends in the theories and practices of world-wide heritage policy, management, conservation, learning, engagement and enterprise;
  • prepare you for advanced critical research through skills training and reflective practice;
  • promote and advance specialist knowledge of theoretical perspectives and frameworks for understanding of heritage in a global context and related issues of policy and practice;
  • give you the opportunity to undertake expert practical training in core and specialist areas relevant to professional and sector development;
  • help you access and engage with industry professionals and opportunities for work experience in a range of heritage settings, through guest lectures, fieldtrips and placements.

Special features

A woman in a white top stands in front of a white background

I chose the MA program to gain a deeper understanding of heritage and to take advantage of the placement opportunity.

I did my placement with the International Council of Museums as a conference assistant for the annual conference. This experience helped me apply my academic knowledge in practice and begin building important connections in the heritage sector

Rebecca Jackson / MA Heritage Studies Student

Work Placement

While undertaking the MA in Heritage Studies, you can apply for a 20-day work placement on a project or programme within a relevant cultural organisation and work with heritage professionals. The Institute for Cultural Practices has many partners offering placements, such as the Manchester Museum, the John Rylands Library, the Working Class Movement Library and the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre.

Placements are completed between November and May and are supported by academic mentoring, supervision, and placement mentors. They form part of the elective course options and are assessed in semester 2 via placement reports.

On placement, you’ll benefit from a hands-on opportunity to apply and develop their theoretical knowledge and practical skill set through immersion in real-life scenarios and situations, from fundraising to audience development.

Please note that the number of placements on offer varies yearly. Students can also organise their own placements, subject to the approval of the course unit convenor.

Project Experience

During the MA, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in heritage projects in partnership with Heidelberg University.

Those projects may include a researching developing exhibitions, coordinating heritage events, and working on community engagement. Discover our student's exhibitions and initiatives  that they have created whilst studying with the Institute for Cultural Practices.

Teaching and learning

Teaching and learning on this course goes beyond the classroom. You will learn through fieldwork trips, site visits, masterclasses and workshops, with networking and specialist training provided through our engagement with visitor speakers, including professionals and academics in the field.

Most teaching takes place in small interactive seminar groups, involving, as appropriate, directed-reading, fieldwork in museums and heritage sites and contexts, staff and student presentations, discussion, debate, problem-solving and group work.

Most units run for a day or week over 12 weeks, and there are variations in the number of class hours per teaching day depending on the course/week (ie 2-5 hours).

As a general rule, a 30-credit unit includes 300 learning hours, which can be roughly divided as follows:

  • a third in classes or class-related work;
  • a third in independent study;
  • a third in preparation of assignments.

You can also undertake an exhibition group project (as part of the Professional Practice Project unit) in collaboration with a museum, heritage or related cultural organisation in Manchester or the north-west of England.

Supervision for dissertation research is supported by staff with a wide range of interests, and by research skills training.

Coursework and assessment

Introduction to Critical Heritage Studies (Semester 1 core unit, 30 credits)

This unit is assessed by:

  • an extended essay (100% of the overall course mark).

Heritage Policy and Management (Semester 1 core unit, 30 credits)

This unit is assessed by:

  • an individual Fieldwork Portfolio of site-specific analysis (100% of the overall course mark)

Option units (Semester 2, 15 or 30 credits)

Option units are assessed by a combination of essays and project portfolios. For details, please see the individual unit page.

Dissertation (Semester 2 and Summer)

This can be either a 12,000 word standard dissertation or a practice-based dissertation (8,000-10,000 words and appropriate evidence/outputs of the practice).

Course unit details

Semester 1

All students take the following 30-credit core units to gain a critical overview of topics and issues relevant to the learning outcomes and aims of this course.

  • Introduction to Critical Heritage Studies - This unit provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary survey of key theories and concepts of heritage studies through weekly lectures, seminars and study visits, as well as study and practical skills training in literature review and heritage interpretation.
  • Heritage Policy and Management - This unit presents the processes and practices of policy making and heritage management, introducing you to a range of contexts through group fieldwork, critical enquiry, case studies and visiting lectures.

Semester 2

Optional units will build on the knowledge and understanding you have gained in Semester 1, and enable you to develop expertise in a particular disciplinary area. You can choose 60 credits of optional course units.

Optional course include (subject to availability):

  • Intangible Cultural Heritage (30 credits)
  • Heritage, Museums and Conflict (30 credits)
  • Decolonise the Museum! (30 credits)
  • Curating Art (30 credits)
  • Creative Producing and Managing Projects (30 credits)
  • Work Placement (30 credits)

There is also the potential to take an additional course unit delivered in partnership with other relevant subject areas, subject to availability and approval. For example:

  • Producing and Consuming Heritage
  • From Cottonopolis to Metropolis: Manchester Communities and Institutions
  • Public History: Historians and the Public Sphere
  • Filming History: Making Documentary Films for Research

Summer

MA students only will undertake a 60-credit dissertation of 12,000 words. Those undertaking a practice-based dissertation will submit 8,000-10,000 words plus project documentation.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Dissertation SALC60090 60 Mandatory
Introduction to Critical Heritage Studies SALC60281 30 Mandatory
Heritage Policy and Management SALC60291 30 Mandatory
Heritage, Museums and Conflict CAHE60562 30 Optional
Art of Medieval Manuscripts HART61642 30 Optional
Creative Learning: Approaches and Contexts SALC60052 30 Optional
Art Markets SALC61032 30 Optional
Intangible Cultural Heritage: Practices, Communities and Landscapes SALC61302 30 Optional
Creative Producing and Managing Projects SALC61812 30 Optional
Placement SALC70300 30 Optional

Scholarships and bursaries

Course collaborators

This course has been designed in close consultation with heritage professionals and external partners working in the field of heritage management and policy.

What our students say

Facilities

You will have access to the Graduate School at the School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, as well as to library resources and training facilities across the University.

You will also be able to access the Institute for Cultural Practices' resources room and study suite.

Visit the Facilities page for more information.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

A woman in a grey top stands in front of a colourful backdrop

I really enjoyed the way this course introduces you to the most interesting discourse, concepts and priorities within the cultural heritage sector right now.

I also valued the range of backgrounds within the teaching staff which enabled me to pick a dissertation topic I was interested in and related to the career path I hoped to pursue.

Chloe Hesford / MA Heritage Studies Graduate

The practical skills you’ll develop on this course prepare you for a range of rewarding careers, within and beyond the heritage sector.

Graduates have found employment in a number of interesting areas, including:

  • Department for Culture, Media and Sport
  • British Council
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Cultural Heritage Research
  • Heritage Consultancy

Find out more on the Institute for Cultural Practices Careers and employability page and the experience of our MA Heritage study alumni .

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .